How to Find a Great Home for Hosting Guests

With the holiday season approaching, you may be thinking about entertaining — maybe you’re hosting 4th of July at your house this year or throwing a New Year’s Eve party with your friends. No matter the occasion, make sure your home is prepared to accommodate any guests who show up — and that includes having plenty of room for people to sit, eat, and drink. If you’re looking to purchase a home and need it to be good for entertaining, Blueprint Real Estate Advisors LLC offers some specific considerations to keep in mind.

Steps to Take Before Looking for a Home

Before you even start searching for a home, there are some steps to take. Having a trusted realtor on your side makes finding a suitable home much easier. Also, find a home inspector to check out any homes you consider purchasing. A home inspector can identify existing and potential problems in a home and let you know what needs to be done to rectify them. You can use this information to negotiate the price or walk away from a home that has significant issues you don't want to deal with.

Getting a Mortgage

Before starting your search, let your lender know you’re in the market for a new house. Learn about available mortgage rates, whether you're considering a conventional, FHA, or VA loan; for example, check rates online to learn more about conventional mortgage rates, FHA fixed rates, and VA fixed rates.  If you are self-employed, you can still qualify for a loan, but the requirements may be a bit different.

Entertaining Features

Think about how many people typically attend your get-togethers and how much space you need to accommodate them. A home with a pool is a crowd-pleaser on hot summer days. For indoor entertaining, look for a layout that allows guests to move easily throughout the living room and dining area.

Be Willing to Customize

It’s no secret that many people are on a quest to find their perfect home. While your dream home may have hardwood floors, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, those may come with a hefty price tag. Take a look at other homes on the market to get an idea of how much you need to budget. If you're willing to renovate your new property, you can transform average spaces into entertaining havens at a lower cost.  If you decide to remodel, or even go for new construction, do your homework, first.

Be Patient, and Be Ready to Move Quickly

Be patient in your search, but when you see a place you like, take action. Don’t waste time showing it to anyone else or getting feedback. Submit your offer right away, and make it stand out from all the others. If you wait too long, someone else could jump on the deal, and you might lose out.

Preparing Your Home for Holidays

Nothing says party like a shiny set of lights around your doorway or your trees, and it’s an easy decoration that practically anyone can handle. So grab a ladder and start decorating. Make it as intricate or as simple as you want. If you have time, tackle larger projects, such as painting. If not, make small changes, such as hanging holiday decorations or setting out seasonal candles.

The Perfect Home

The perfect home for entertaining allows you and your guests to relax and focus on having a good time. It should make you look forward to hosting parties and gatherings rather than dreading them because of lack of space or features. Visit Blueprint Real Estate Advisors LLC for help finding your dream home in Hawaii.